Gate assembly
The present invention relates to a gate assembly that can be configured to reduce the vulnerability of the gate to operation by a horse. In an embodiment, a lever operator is configured to extend above the head of a rider, such that a rider can reach up to operate the lever to open the gate. A configuration is illustrated wherein the operator lever moves relative to the gate as the gate opens and closes for providing full access through the gate area when the gate is open.
This application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 60/598746, which was filed on Aug. 3, 2004.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to a gate assembly, and more particularly to a mechanically operable gate assembly that is operable by a person mounted on an animal or riding a recreational vehicle, and which is configured so as not to be operable by animals or wild life.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONFence and gate systems can be used to corral animals, such as horses or livestock. Typically, a gate system is provided to allow passage by persons, vehicles, riders on horseback, or others. A gate assembly generally includes some kind of latch and/or lock mechanism that allows the gate to be selectively opened. For example, a gate assembly may be configured with a hand-operated latch.
There is a need for being able to easily open a gate in a fence while riding on an animal or vehicle, without having to dismount from the animal or vehicle to activate the gate latch apparatus. For example, when riding a horse or an all-terrain-vehicle (ATV), or even a tractor, it is inconvenient to dismount, open the gate, remount and ride through the gate, and possibly dismount again to reclose the gate. This need is particularly true for range gates of fences such as those found in pastures, corrals, or the like. Further, since such gates are generally open to the environment and typically not easily serviceable, it is desirable that such gate opening mechanism be rugged and mechanically operable, requiring no electrical power. A further requirement for such gate operation mechanisms is that they not impede movement through the opening vacated by the gate when opened, and that they not be susceptible to unauthorized or inadvertent opening by animals or wild life. Horses, for example, are particularly adept at learning how to pull on ropes or to operate exposed latches for gates. Improved such gate assemblies are needed.
The present invention addresses the above gate operator needs. The present invention provides a simple and reliable gate assembly that has a gate release assembly that can be easily operated by a rider of a horse or open vehicle without requiring the rider to dismount from his horse or vehicle. The inventive gate release assembly is of rugged construction that can withstand environmental elements, requires little maintenance, and cannot be readily activated by a horse or other wildlife. These and other features of the invention will become apparent upon a more detailed description thereof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThis invention provides a gate and a gate operating assembly therefore, that enables ready operation by a rider of a horse or open vehicle. The gate operating assembly has an operating activation member that can be positioned above the normal horse head height, but yet be within easy reach of a person riding upon a horse. Exertion of a small activating force releases the gate latch and allows the gate to be pushed open and later re-closed, all while still mounted on a horse or vehicle. The operating mechanism can be configured to be operable from either side of the gate, and can be configured to cooperatively move relative to the gate as the gate opens, so as to allow unobstructed rider access through the open gate area. The gate configuration can be constructed for connection to existing gate fence posts, or can include a self- contained frame construction that requires support mounting to only a single fence post.
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a gate release assembly including a support structure that is configured to support a lever. The support structure can be coupled to a gate. The gate release assembly also includes a latch control mechanism that is coupled to the support structure. The latch control mechanism can be operatively coupled to the latch such that activation of the latch control mechanism selectively releases the latch. The latch control mechanism can be configured to be unreachable by a horse standing on four legs but is configured such that a rider on a horse can reach the latch control mechanism to release the latch. The latch control mechanism can include a lever that can be operatively coupled to the latch with a chain, such that pulling down on the lever pulls up on the chain to raise the latch.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a gate latch assembly including a latch mechanism that is configured to be coupled to a gate and to a structure in the vicinity of the gate. The latch mechanism is configured to releasably couple the gate to the structure. The gate latch assembly also includes a latch control mechanism that is configured to release the latch mechanism to allow the gate to move with respect to the structure. The latch control mechanism further can be configured to be positioned such that the latch control mechanism cannot be reached by a horse.
According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a gate including a gate assembly, a latch mechanism, and a latch control mechanism. The gate assembly includes first and second frame members and a swinging gate member. The gate member has first and second ends, the first end of the gate member being pivotably coupled to the first frame member. The latch mechanism can be configured to couple the second end of the gate member to the second frame member, to restrain pivotal movement of the gate member with respect to the frame members. The latch control mechanism can be operatively coupled to the latch mechanism and can include a lever mechanism that is configured so that it can be actuated by a rider on horseback. The lever mechanism can be positioned at a height relative to the ground so as to be out of reach or a horse that is standing on four legs.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a gate latch release mechanism including a lateral arm that is configured to be rotatably coupled to a gate, and a lever arm that is pivotably coupled to the lateral arm. The lever arm can be configured to be coupled to a latch mechanism such that the latch mechanism can be released by pivoting the lever arm. The gate latch release mechanism can be mounted on or near a gate. When the gate latch release mechanism is mounted on a gate, the lateral arm and lever arm extend outwardly on a first side of the gate. The lateral arm and lever arm can be configured to rotate toward the gate as the gate opens.
These and other features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a more detailed description of several preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSReferring to the Drawing, wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the several views:
The invention includes a gate assembly having an improved gate release apparatus with an elevated operator handle that can be activated by a person mounted on an animal such as a horse, or while sitting in or on a vehicle such as an ATV or tractor, without requiring the person to dismount from the animal or the vehicle. The gate assembly can include a framework that is self-supporting, or it can be configured for mounting to an existing gate and gate support posts. The invention further provides for a gate latch and latch activation assembly that is configured so as to not be readily operable by animals intended to be restrained by the gate, or by wildlife.
While the present invention will be described with respect to particular types of gate and frame configurations, it will be understood that the invention is not to be limited by such configurations, or to the materials disclosed for such items. Further, while the invention is described with respect to particular embodiments of the invention, including preferred embodiments of operator latch activations structures, it will be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the use of such latch activation structures or to the types of latches shown in the preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the principals of the invention extend beyond the specifics of the assemblies and structures illustrated in the disclosed preferred embodiments. Such preferred embodiments are presented for illustration purposes only and to show specific examples of how the inventive principals can be applied to actual use applications.
Referring to
The support frame 12 and supported gate are configured to extend between the fixed post 20 and other appropriate fence structure such as the second fence post 21 illustrated in
Referring to
A guide pipe segment 34 is secured within the upright mast member 32 and longitudinally extends down the mast member from the distal end. One or more of such guide pipe segments may be secured within the mast member 32 and axially aligned with one another, to form a rotatable guide assembly about the longitudinal axis of the guide pipe 34. The distal end 32b of the mast member 32 terminates at a point below the top cross bar 12c of the support frame 12 to allow for free pivoting motion of an operator control mechanism, as hereinafter described in more detail.
The operator control mechanism of the gate release assembly 30 is pivotally attached at the distal end 32b of the upright mast member 32. Referring to
First and second lever support arms 37 and 38 respectively are fixedly secured at first ends thereof to opposite edges of the pivot bracket plate 35 and longitudinally extend outwardly therefrom toward their distal ends, forming generally a right angle therebetween (as viewed from above). In a preferred embodiment, the lever support arms 37 and 38 generally extend in a horizontal plane; however, they need not be horizontal but could extend at angles of 15° or more off of a horizontal plane. First and second lever arms 39 and 40 are respectively pivotally connected by first and second pivot brackets 41 and 42 respectively to the distal ends of the first and second lever support arms 37 and 38. Those ends of the lever arms 39 and 40 which extend longitudinally beyond the distal ends of the lever support arms 37 and 38 are curved to define handles 39a and 40a respectively of the first and second lever arms 39 and 40. The opposite ends 39b and 40b of the lever arms 39 and 40 pivotally rotate about the distal ends of the lever support arms 37 and 38 as restrained by U-shaped arm retainer members 43 and 44 respectively. As viewed in
The pivotable ends 39b and 40b of the operator lever arms 39 and 40 are operatively coupled by means of the chain linkage members 45 and 46 respectively to a latch assembly 50. While the latch assembly 50 can assume many different configurations, in a preferred embodiment, the latch used is one sold by Co-Line Welding, Inc. under its SURE-LATCH brand, referred to as a Two-Way Livestock Gate Latch, model R-158-2 (a non-lockable version), or under model R-158-2L (a lockable version). The latch allows release of the gate to swing in either direction and helps prevent the gate end from sagging or swinging. The latch assembly 50 generally includes a first latch portion 50a having first and second liftable latch members 51, 52 that cooperatively engage a generally horizontal post member 53 of a second latch portion 50b. The first and second liftable latch members 51, 52 cooperatively retainably engage the horizontal post member 53 which is sized to retainably fit between the liftable latch members when disposed in a downward, locked position. The liftable latch members 51, 52 are independently vertically movable within the chassis of the first latch portion 50a to selectively latch or unlatch the gate, relative to the latch post member 53. In the preferred embodiment, the first latch portion 50a is secured to the upright mast member 32 and thus to the gate for movement therewith, and the post member 53 of the second latch portion 50b is secured to the right upright 12b of the support frame 12 which does not move with the gate.
When in a latched mode, the liftable latch members will be disposed in a lowered position as illustrated in
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the latch assembly 50 is further configured to provide the gate with a locking capability, as for example for locking the gate with a padlock or other type of pin configuration. The lock members are illustrated at 54a and 54b in
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that alternative latch structures can be used within the spirit and intent of this invention. For example, a latch that includes a rod that turns to open a latch instead of a cam that is lifted over a pin could be used. Other structures are also possible and can be configured for use with the present inventive gate release assembly. Further, while the operable latch assembly portion 50a has been shown as affixed to the movable gate, and the horizontal post member assembly 50b being connected to the immovable frame, the relative mounting structure of the latch assembly portions could be reversed.
In the preferred embodiment, the gate release assembly 30 includes a pivot control mechanism for pivoting the operating lever arms 39 and 40 out of the way of an advancing horse and rider as the gate pivots in an opening direction, and to return the operating lever arms to their accessible positions as illustrated in
This movement is illustrated diagrammatically in
If the gate is opened in a counterclockwise direction (as viewed from above), the relative operator arm movements will be just opposite to that previously described with respect to rotation of the gate in a clockwise direction about its hinges. The operator handle movement not only serves the function of removing the operator lever from the gate opening area, but also makes the opposite lever (i.e., lever 40 in
Operation of the first embodiment of the gate can be discussed with reference to
When the rider progresses through the gate he can close the gate by grasping the second operating lever 40 and pushing the gate in a counterclockwise direction back toward a closed position. As the gate approaches the closed position the outer cammed surface of the liftable latch member 51 will engage the outer surface of the post member 53, causing the moveable latch member 51 to lift up and over the post member 53. As the post member passes beneath the lifted latch member 51, the post will engage the inner surface of the second liftable latch member 52 and simultaneously the first latch member 51 will drop back down to a latching position, thereby securing the gate in a closed, latched condition. Simultaneously with the closure motion of the gate, the operator handles will be pivoted by the pivot control mechanism and retainer arm 60 back to their latched, neutral position as illustrated in
A second embodiment of a gate assembly configured according to the principals of this invention is illustrated in
The operator handle assembly is connected to the moveable end of the gate by a lower fastening flange 32a′, but the upright channel-shaped mast member of the first embodiment has been removed in favor of the pivot rod 36′ which is movably pivotally connected at its lower terminus to the lower fastening flange 32. The upper end of the pivot rod 36′ is fixedly connected to and moves with the pivot bracket plate 35′. A pivot tab extension 70 is welded to the outer surface of the pivot rod 36′ and rotates therewith about the central axis of the pivot rod 36′. The retainer arm 60′ of the pivot control mechanism is pivotally attached at one end to the pivot tab extension 70 and at its other end, directly to the bracket secured to the fence post 20′. The retainer arm 60′ acts in the same manner as previously described with respect to the first embodiment, except that instead of being connected to the pivot bracket plate 35′ it is connected through the pivot tab extensions 70 directly to the pivot rod 36′ to control the rotation of the pivot rod extension 36′, and thus the rotational movement of the operator levers 39′ and 40′ about the longitudinal axis of the extension rod 36′.
The other change reflected in the second embodiment of the invention versus that described for the first embodiment, is that the first and second lever support arms 37′ and 38′ have been longitudinally extended beyond the pivot brackets 41′ and 42′ to positions adjacent and overlying the handles 39a′ and 40b′ respectively. The extended first and second lever support arms 37′ and 38′ support at their distal ends Z-shaped latch mechanism 75 having a retaining clip 75a. Due to the angles of the lever support arms 37′ and 38′ illustrated in
It can be appreciated, therefore, that an improved gate assembly has been disclosed which enables ease of operation for a person riding on a horse or other animal or upon an elevated vehicle such as a tractor or ATV, without requiring dismounting from the horse or vehicle. It will also be appreciated that an improved gate assembly has been described which while easily operable by a person, cannot easily be opened or operated by animals such as horses, livestock or the like. It will be appreciated that while the invention has been disclosed with respect to embodiments that show two sets of latch activating members that enable opening of a gate from either side of the gate, the invention would apply equally well to gate opening arrangements wherein the latch activating assembly is configured on only one side of the gate. It will also be appreciated that while the invention has been disclosed with particular embodiments which require pushing the gate closed, once opened, the gate could also be automatically closed by force applying members such as hydraulic cylinders, springs or other such devices.
While the invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments thereof, and with respect to specific types and shapes of components and materials used therein in association with, and with particular sized components, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not to be limited in any manner by the specifics of either the described embodiments, materials, component sizes or shapes. Such embodiments, materials, sizes, and the like have been described to indicate clear examples of how the principals of the invention can be specifically applied to a gate assembly. All alternatives and modifications of the forgoing are intended to be covered within the broad scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A gate release assembly for use with a gate that includes a latch, the gate release assembly comprising:
- a support structure configured to support a lever, the support structure being configured to be coupled to the gate; and
- a latch control mechanism that is coupled to the support structure, the latch control mechanism being configured to be operatively coupled to the latch such that activation of the latch control mechanism releases the latch, wherein the latch control mechanism is configurable to be unreachable by a horse standing on four legs.
2. The gate release assembly of claim 1 wherein the support structure and latch control mechanism are configured such that if they are operatively installed on a gate, a rider on a horse can reach the latch control mechanism to release the latch.
3. The gate release assembly of claim 1 wherein the latch control mechanism comprises a lever that can be operatively coupled to the latch with a chain, wherein pulling down on the lever pulls up on the chain to raise the latch.
4. The gate release assembly of claim 1 wherein the support structure is mounted on a gate and the latch control mechanism comprises a lever, the support structure comprising a generally vertical member that is coupled to the gate, a lateral member that is coupled to an upper end of the generally vertical member, and a pivot mechanism that is configured to pivotably couple the lever to the lateral member.
5. The gate release assembly of claim 4 wherein the generally vertical member is within 15 degrees of vertical when the gate release assembly is mounted on a gate that is generally aligned in a vertical plane.
6. The gate release assembly of claim 4 wherein the lateral member is within 15 degrees of horizontal when the gate release assembly is mounted on a gate that is aligned with a generally horizontal plane.
7. The gate release assembly of claim 1 wherein the latch control mechanism comprises a first lever and a second lever that are each operatively coupled to the latch, the first lever being configured to extend outwardly on a first side of the gate to facilitate activation on of the lever and release of the latch from the first side of the gate, the second lever being configured to extend outwardly on a second side of the gate to facilitate activation of the lever and release of the latch from the second side of the gate.
8. A gate latch assembly configured for use with a gate, the gate latch assembly comprising:
- a latch mechanism configured to be coupled to a gate and to a structure in the vicinity of the gate, the latch mechanism being configured to releasably couple the gate to the structure;
- a latch control mechanism, the latch control mechanism being configured to release the latch mechanism to allow the gate to move with respect to the structure, the latch control mechanism further being configured to be positioned such that the latch control mechanism cannot be reached by a horse.
9. The gate latch assembly of claim 8 wherein the latch control mechanism comprises a member that is mechanically coupled to the latch, the member being configured such that displacing the member releases the latch.
10. The gate latch assembly of claim 9 further comprising a support structure that is configured to be mounted on one of the gate or the structure in the vicinity of the gate, the member being pivotably coupled to the support structure, the member further being configured such that pivoting the member releases the latch.
11. The gate latch assembly of claim 10 wherein a first end of the member is coupled to the latch, wherein urging a second distal end of the member downwardly displaces the first end of the member upwardly, thereby raising a portion of the latch mechanism to release the latch.
12. The gate assembly of claim 8 wherein the latch control mechanism comprises a lever that is configured to be positioned at a height where it cannot be reached by a horse.
13. A gate comprising:
- a gate assembly comprising first and second frame members and a swinging gate member, the gate member having first and second ends, the first end of the gate member being pivotably coupled to the first frame member;
- a latch mechanism that is configured to couple the second end of the gate member to the second frame member to restrain pivotal movement of the gate member with respect to the frame members;
- a latch control mechanism that is operatively coupled to the latch mechanism, the latch control mechanism comprising an operator mechanism that is configured so that it can be actuated by a rider on horseback, the operator mechanism being positioned at a height relative to the ground so as to be out of reach of a horse that is standing on four legs.
14. The gate of claim 13 wherein the operator mechanism extends outwardly on a first side of the gate member, the operator mechanism being configured to rotate toward the gate when the gate is opened from the first side of the gate member.
15. A gate latch release mechanism comprising:
- a lateral arm that is configured to be rotatably coupled to a gate; and
- a lever arm that is pivotably coupled to the lateral arm, the lever arm being configured to be coupled to a latch mechanism such that the latch mechanism can be released by pivoting the lever arm;
- wherein when the gate latch release mechanism is mounted on a gate, the lateral arm and lever arm extend outwardly on a first side of the gate, the lateral arm and lever arm being configured to rotate toward the gate as the gate opens.
16. The gate latch release mechanism of claim 15 further comprising a linkage member that is configured to urge the lateral arm and lever arm toward the gate as the gate opens.
17. The gate latch release mechanism of claim 16 wherein the linkage member is configured to urge the lateral arm and lever arm toward a neutral position when the gate closes.
18. The gate latch release mechanism of claim 17 wherein the lever arm is configured to be coupled to the latch mechanism with a chain.
19. The gate latch release mechanism of claim 15 wherein the gate latch release mechanism comprises an upwardly extending member that is configured to be rotatably coupled to the gate, the lateral arm being coupled to the upwardly extending member.
20. The gate latch release mechanism of claim 19 wherein the lever arm is configured to be positioned out of reach of a horse.
21. The gate latch release mechanism of claim 20 further comprising a second lateral arm and second lever arm that are configured to extend outwardly on a second side of the gate when the gate latch release mechanism is mounted on a gate, the second lateral arm and second lever arm being configured to rotate toward the gate when the gate is opened from the second side of the gate.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 3, 2005
Publication Date: Feb 23, 2006
Inventor: Clint Nesseth (Cameron, WI)
Application Number: 11/196,777
International Classification: E05C 19/00 (20060101);